Photo by Jocelyn Augustino, FEMA
Puerto Rico and Florida were devastated once again by hurricanes, yet another set of natural disasters worsened by climate change. You can help them rebuild with an emergency gift to support immediate relief and long-term recovery.
After hurricane Maria in 2017, the hope for a solar future in Puerto Rico seemed distant, but almost within reach. Reconstruction hadn’t yet finished when Hurricane Fiona ravaged our island once again – and I saw myself using the same solar lanterns we distributed in 2018 to illuminate my home.
Fiona’s high winds and 30 inches of rain cut off power to our entire island of more than 3 million people–and over a million of them lost access to drinking water. Weeks later, many of us are still waiting for the lights to come back on and our wells to start pumping.
Then came hurricane Ian, unleashing its destructive force upon Florida. Walls of ocean water as tall as 2 stories high flooded coastal streets. 2.4 million people lost power, thousands suffered property destruction, and Florida agriculture was devastated.
Our hurricane-ravaged communities need help–and that’s why I’m asking you. Time and again, through wildfires and hurricanes, I have seen the incredible generosity of Sierra Club members and champions willing to help people in need. Please help us out again.
Please make a gift to support organizations on the ground in Puerto Rico and Florida, helping communities to rebuild and recover in the aftermath of these deadly storms.
Your gift will support a variety of organizations that are working to build a safer future in Puerto Rico and Florida–including
- Global Empowerment Mission
- Aprodec Inc
- The Coalition of Immokalee Workers
- Volunteer Florida Foundation
- Comedores Sociales de Puerto Rico
- Coalicion Pro Corredor Ecologico Del Noreste Inc,
- Feeding Florida
- The Sierra Club Puerto Rico Chapter.
These organizations are accomplishing a variety of work, from providing food and clean water to giving out solar emergency lanterns to illuminate homes and charge devices. But they are also there to put in the long-term work needed to make us more resilient–distributing home composting systems to, helping local leaders create long-term opportunities for economic and social development, and replacing an outdated fossil fuel grid with safer, cleaner, more reliable solar power.
The reality of the climate crisis has been hitting all of us with devastating effect. Hurricane Maria destroyed our Island’s crucial infrastructure in 2017 and now we are again faced with a reconstruction–not transformation of our electrical system. Global disasters are on the rise. Now more than ever, we need everyone to come together and support each other. I hope that will start with you.